Community Colleges of Spokane Looking for Assistant Teacher – Early Childhood Program Specialist 1 (ECPS1) – Head Start Full Time

Starting salary for this position is: $2,805 (Monthly)

Employees will start at step C (monthly salary) of the salary schedule and will receive salary Step advancement after 12 months and salary step advancement every 12 months thereafter until they reach the top of the salary range. Each salary step advancement will be approximately a 5% increase in salary.

Community Colleges of Spokane (CCS) District Equity Statement

CCS believes that access to high-quality education in a safe and inclusive environment is the right of all individuals and imperative for the continued advancement of a strong democracy and workforce. We also believe higher education institutions have an obligation to work toward and demonstrate progress in ensuring equity amongst their students, faculty, and staff. Equity is grounded in the principle of fairness. In higher education, equity refers to ensuring that each student receives what they need to be successful through the intentional design of the college experience.

Applications will be forwarded to the hiring official as they are received and accepted until the need is filled.

The Community Colleges of Spokane is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual for the position of Assistant Teacher in the Head Start/Early Head Start Division.

Hiring for multiple positions; Positions are available at multiple sites that include calendar options ranging from 9 months to 12 months.

GENERAL DEFINITION

Under the general supervision of the Center Manager, this position assists in performing recurring routine job duties and assignments under the daily direction of the Lead and/or Associate Teacher in implementing the educational curriculum and the general operation of a Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) early childhood classroom.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in preparation and implementation of classroom and outside daily routines and activities. Utilize daily routines to support individual learning opportunities. *
• Assist in the development, implementation, and documentation of an early childhood curriculum. *
• Assist in assessing the developmental needs of infants/toddlers and/or preschoolers; track individual progress by recording ongoing assessments and assist with the development of individualized learning opportunities, inclusive of children with disabilities. *
• Promote and protect children’s health by adhering to IHP (Individual Health Plans) and special diet needs. Attend to children’s personal needs and model routine care as a component of primary care giving. *
• Assist in conducting developmental screenings, providing referrals, and arranging follow-up services and ensuring parents are involved in curriculum planning and child observations in the classroom environment. *
• Assist with maintaining required documentation, records, and supplies. *
• May assist, and/or perform work of the Lead and/or Associate Teacher and guide children for specified periods when the teacher(s) are absent.
• Work effectively as a member of a classroom and direct services team to provide integrated, comprehensive services to children and families.
• May participate in case management, home visits, center conferences and the development and implementation of Children’s Individual Plans (CIP) and family transition plans with Direct Service Team.
• Participate in essential meetings and trainings.
• Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions. *
• Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements. *
• Support and advance the CCS strategic plan, and perform other duties as assigned. *

*Indicates this is an essential duty.This position is designated a bargaining unit position. COMPETENCIES &

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS)

• One (1) year of experience in childcare OR equivalent education/experience.
• Current First aid/CPR training or ability to obtain (as available through CCS).
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional/ethical boundaries with families and staff members.
• Ability to maintain a healthy, safe and welcoming environment both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Knowledge of appropriate techniques for diapering, sanitation, napping, feeding, and toilet training.
• Action Oriented: Exhibits skill in taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Optimizes Work Processes: Skilled in knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ensures Accountability: Ability to ensure accountability, holding both self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results: Proven ability to drive results to consistently achieve results, even under tough circumstances.
• Collaborates: Demonstrated ability to collaborate, build partnerships, and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Differences: Demonstrated commitment to recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Communicates Effectively: Demonstrates skill in developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Instills Trust: Capable of instilling trust and gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness: Evidence of using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses.
• Self-Development: Evidence of self-development, actively seeking new ways to grow and be challenged using both formal and informal development channels.
• Nimble Learning: Evidence of nimble learning and actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning opportunities.
• Situational Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to adapt approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES (DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS)

• State Early Childhood Education (ECE) certificate OR Current Child Development Associate (CDA).
• One year experience working with infant/toddler/preschool aged children.
• Previous experience with Head Start/Early Head Start or working with low-income families from a variety of cultural groups, especially English as a Second Language (ESL).
• Basic computer skills, including e-mail and word processing.
• Previous experience with Teaching Strategies Gold and Creative Curriculum Tools.

CONDITIONS/TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

TOTAL COMPENSATION WITH BENEFITS: $48,970 – $59,696 (for a full time, 12-month position)

 Total compensation is an estimate based upon adding the following amounts together:

• Base compensation of $32,340 – $42,444 (for a full time, 12-month position), plus
• Current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates, plus
• Median retirement fund contributions. 

The actual total will vary depending upon each employee’s enrollment choices.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Community Colleges of Spokane maintains a drug-free work environment and prohibits all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work without assistive equipment that may compromise or interfere with the physical safety of children and staff in the learning environment. 
• Work is equally performed in indoor office environment, and outdoor uncontrolled elements.
• Frequent use of computers and exposure to terminal screens.
• Frequent repetitive hand/wrist motions and finger manipulation.
• Frequent oral and auditory communication with others.
• Frequent kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing and twisting.
• Move up to 25 lbs. frequently and up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Requires communication ability necessary to understand instructions and recognize hazardous, unsafe or poisonous materials and/or products.
• Occasional exposure to fumes, dust, odors and/or biohazards.
• Work is active.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Full-time schedule (12-month, 40-hours a week).
• 6-month probationary period.
• This position is overtime eligible.
• Ability to travel locally. If using a personal vehicle, proof of driver’s license and car insurance is required.
• Post-Offer medical exam which includes tuberculin screening and submission of documentation indicating Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccination or immunity.
• Pre-Employment Post Offer, criminal history/child abuse information check including Department of Children, Youth and Families Portable Background Check prior to employment.
• Criminal background check is required.
• Possession of Washington State Department of Health: Food Workers Card.
• First Aid/CPR certification (or ability to obtain when training offered by CCS)

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet required competencies and submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:

• CCS online application. *
• Cover letter addressing your qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of this position. *
• Resume. *
• References – the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references. *
• College transcript(s) if applicable – unofficial/copies of transcripts are acceptable for initial application, official copies must be submitted upon acceptance of job offer.

NOTE: All of the above are required to ensure your consideration for this position. The item(s) marked with an asterisk are required attachments to your application prior to submission.

If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact HR at [email protected] Community Colleges of Spokane does not discriminate in its programs, activities and employment on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, marital status, pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, parental status or families with children, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, AIDS/HIV or hepatitis C, honorably discharged veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, use of trained guide dog or service animal by a person with disability, genetic information or any other legally protected category. 

Direct all inquiries or grievances regarding access and Title IX or ADA to:

Amy McCoy | Chief Compliance Officer Title IX and ADA Coordinator
Community Colleges of Spokane
2917 W. Whistalks Way, MS 3027
Spokane, WA. 99224-5288
[email protected]
509-279-6012 

Direct all inquiries regarding equal opportunity compliance and/or grievances to:

Greg Stevens | Chief Strategy and Administration Officer
Community Colleges of Spokane
P.O. Box 6000, MS1004
Spokane, WA. 99217-6000
509-434-5040

Native Land Acknowledgement

We are honored to acknowledge that the Community Colleges of Spokane, and our main campuses for Spokane Falls and Spokane Community College, are located on the traditional and sacred homelands of the Spokane Tribe. We also provide services in a region that includes the traditional and sacred homelands of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Kalispel Tribe and Nez Perce Tribe. We pay our respect to tribal elders both past and present as well as to all Indigenous people today. This land holds their cultural DNA, and we are honored and grateful to be here on their traditional lands.

We give thanks to the legacy of the original people and their descendants and pledge to honor their stewardship and values.